Background/Aims: This study compared the effectiveness, adverse effects (AEs), and drug retention rates of baricitinib (BARI) monotherapy versus combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective observational study, 140 RA patients were analyzed, with 50 receiving monotherapy and 90 receiving BARI combination therapy. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment details, and AEs were recorded. Clinical outcomes were compared between the groups, including disease activity, assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints with C-reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), as well as functional status and drug survival. Results: Baricitinib monotherapy and BARI combination groups had similar baseline characteristics. Both groups showed significant improvements in disease activity, with no difference in final DAS28-CRP, SDAI, or CDAI scores. A higher proportion of BARI monotherapy patients achieved low disease activity on SDAI and CDAI. Adverse effects rates were similar between groups, though serious AEs were slightly more common in combination therapy (P = .044). This study found no significant difference in drug survival between monotherapy and combination therapy. In multivariate analysis, higher initial steroid dosage (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.149, P = .030), prior use of 2 or more biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (HR = 2.825, P = .002), and younger age (HR = 0.957, P = .001) were significant predictors of BARI treatment discontinuation. Conclusion: This study suggests that BARI monotherapy offers comparable efficacy, safety, and retention to the BARI combination in RA treatment. It provides an effective alternative for patients who find it inconvenient to use conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Background/Aims: Interstitial lung disease is one of the most important complications in autoimmune diseases. The extent of involvement in tomography is crucial for therapeutic decision-making. Pleuropulmonary ultrasound is helpful in screening and correlates with severity. Using the Goh method, the objective is to analyze the correlation between ultrasound findings and the quantified extent on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Materials and Methods: The HRCT images of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis were analyzed using the Goh method. The data were compared with the number of B-lines and ultrasound pleural abnormalities. The correlation was determined using Spearman's Rho statistic, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points were calculated for each ultrasound finding to detect severe disease. Results: A total of 71 patients were included. Almost half of the patients (56%) were involved in less than 5% of extent in HRCT; an average disease extent was 11% for the whole population. The correlation (Rho) between the extent and the total B-line count was 0.58 and 0.61 (P < .001), and for pleural abnormalities, 0.60 and 0.59 (P < .001) in linear and convex images, correspondingly. The areas under the curve were high for both ultrasound abnormalities and in both forms of images, consistently exceeding 0.7. Regarding the cutoff values, a number greater than 20 B-lines has a specificity close to 90% for detecting extensive disease, as well as 7 or more pleural abnormalities. Conclusion: The count of B-lines and the number of pleural abnormalities on lung ultrasound correlate well with the extent of the disease and can help determine its severity.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between lung function and imaging parameters with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 120 patients (37 RA-ILD, 42 SSc-ILD, and 41 IPF) were included. Demographic, clinical, functional (forced vital capacity [FVC], lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO], 6 minute walk test), and radiological (Warrick scores) data were collected. The associations between SGRQ scores and these parameters, as well as other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), were analyzed. Results: St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores showed significant correlations with functional measures and PROMs across all groups. However, no correlation was found between SGRQ and FVC only in RA-ILD. In SSc-ILD and IPF, SGRQ scores were also significantly associated with high-resolution computed tomography-based Warrick scores. However, no correlation was found between SGRQ and radiological parameters in RA-ILD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that SGRQ could help identify patients with impaired lung function (FVC <70%) in IPF and SSc-ILD groups. Conclusion: St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire may be a valuable tool for evaluating HRQoL in patients with SSc-ILD and IPF, with moderate associations with functional and radiological outcomes. Its utility in RA-ILD appears to be more limited and requires further investigation.

Background/Aims: Differential miRNA expression profiles in the plasma exosomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients were obtained at various disease activity stages and compared with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 48 SLE patients with high, medium, and low disease activity and from 20 healthy controls. The sample set was retrospectively analyzed for differences in clinical features. Plasma exosomes were extracted and subjected to comprehensive detection and analysis. Total exosomal RNA was extracted from the 4 groups, and differential expression profiles were analyzed using miRNA chip technology. Results: Significant differences in clinical parameters-including platelet count (PLT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), 24-hour urinary protein, and complement C3/C4 levels-were observed among SLE patients with different disease activity levels (all P < .05). Plasma exosomes were successfully isolated and characterized. Microarray analysis identified distinct exosomal miRNA profiles. Notably, let-7a-5p and miR-23a-3p were significantly downregulated in patients with high disease activity compared to those with low activity (fold change > 2, P < .0001), while miR-4532 was markedly upregulated. Correlation analysis showed let-7a-5p expression was positively associated with PLT (r = 0.61) and complement C3 (r = 0.69) and negatively with ESR (r = -0.65). Conversely, miR-4532 was positively correlated with ESR (r = 0.67) and urinary protein (r = 0.56) and negatively with C3 and C4 (both r = -0.67). Conclusion: Differential miRNA expression was identified in the exosomes of SLE patients at various disease activity levels. These findings indicate the crucial role of these miRNAs in the onset and progression of SLE, providing a basis for further investigation of the immunoregulatory functions of exosomes.

Background/Aims: Individuals increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for health-related information; however, the accuracy and usability of their responses remain uncertain. This study assessed the quality, comprehensiveness, and readability of responses from 6 AI chatbots-ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4o (OpenAI), Copilot AI (Microsoft), Perplexity AI (Perplexity.AI), Gemini AI (Google), and ChatSonic AI (Writesonic)-to the most commonly searched fibromyalgia-related queries. Materials and Methods: The top 10 most frequently searched fibromyalgia-related questions from the past 2 years were retrieved from the Google Trends database. Each chatbot was queried separately, and a total of 60 responses (10 per chatbot) were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively by 2 reviewers, focusing on content quality, accuracy, readability, and alignment with evidence-based guidelines. Results: ChatGPT-3.5 had the lowest Ensuring Quality Information for Patients score (20.6 ± 4.5), indicating very low quality information, while Gemini achieved the highest (40.5 ± 5), which was still classified as low quality. Understandability was moderate for Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity (67.2) but lowest for ChatGPT-3.5 (43.2 ± 10.2). Actionability was weak and the misinformation assessment revealed a moderate level across all chatbots. Readability scores indicated university-level complexity, with ChatGPT-4o having the lowest Reading Ease score (11.3 ± 11.2) and Copilot the highest (30.3 ± 13.2). Conclusion: While AI chatbots provide accessible health information, their accuracy and depth vary. Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity AI showed better quality, but citation inconsistencies, readability challenges, and misinformation risks highlight the need for refinement beyond the hype. Clinicians should guide fibromyalgia patients in critically assessing AI-generated health content. Future research should explore improvements in AI chatbot applicability for medical inquiries.

Background/Aims: Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a group of disorders characterized by the dysfunction of the immune system, leading to selfdirected attacks on organs or tissues. The global burden of ADs in older adolescents and young adults is still lacking and requires updates.This study described the global, regional, and country-specific disease burden and temporal trends of ADs in older adolescents and young adults (aged 15-29 years) from 1990 to 2019. Materials and Methods: Data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease, Injury, and Risk Factors study were utilized to report age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDR) rates of ADs at global, regional, and national levels. The average annual percent change was determined by Joinpoint regression analysis. Results: In 2019, the burden of alopecia areata (AA) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in older adolescents and young adults was particularly notable. Specifically, the ASIR for AA was 493.84 per 100 000 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 444.13, 544.49), while the ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR for RHD were 771.43 per 100 000 (95% UI: 529.38, 1074.04), 1.08 per 100 000 (95% UI: 0.94, 1.23), and 108.36 per 100 000 (95% UI: 88.63, 133.67), respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the heavy disease burden of ADs was more pronounced in the European region and region of the Americas, where Italy and El Salvador were particularly affected. Although the burden of ADs was generally more severe in females than in males across most regions, males consistently had higher ASIR (10.19 per 100 000; 95% UI: 4.68, 18.22), ASPR (249.77 per 100 000; 95% UI: 186.89, 325.98), ASMR (0.53 per 100 000; 95% UI: 0.47, 0.60), and ASDR (47.59 per 100 000; 95% UI: 40.97, 56.34) for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to females. Conclusion: Globally, there is an increasing burden of AA, T1DM, and RHD in older adolescents and young adults. The American and European regions and females endure a severe burden of ADs. Healthcare providers should be aware of the heavy burden of ADs and develop age-appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and intervention strategies to achieve health equity.

Background/Aims: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that can affect several systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the connection between primary Sjögren's disease activity and the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte index (CALLY) and the HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet) score, 2 novel immunonutritional indicators that have not yet been applied to rheumatological disease activation. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 89 patients with pSS and 113 age- and sex-matched individuals. The relationship between haematological, inflammatory, immunonutritional biomarkers, and disease activation was investigated, as were the differences between the groups. Results: Eighty-nine patients (96.6% female, mean age 53.4 ± 15.0 years) and 113 control subjects (97.3% female, mean age 50.8 ± 14.9 years) were included in the study. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red cell distribution width, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, monocyte lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein albumin ratio were significantly higher in the group of patients with pSS compared to the control group (all; P < .001). Systemic immuneinflammation index and systemic inflammatory response index were significantly elevated in the patient cohort compared to the control group (P = .002 and P = .048, respectively). The CALLY index and HALP score were negatively correlated with EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (P < .001 for both). Conclusion: The CALLY index and HALP score represent a novel approach to assessing disease activity and prognosis in a number of conditions, including stroke, myocardial infarction, osteoarthritis, pulmonary thromboembolism, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many types of cancer. They may also be useful as a guide to disease activity and monitoring in pSS.

Background/Aims: YouTube's growing popularity as an educational resource for musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) raises questions about its potential to supplement medical education. This study evaluates MSKUS-related YouTube content comprehensively to determine its potential as a supplementary tool in medical education. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 151 YouTube videos related to MSKUS. Video characteristics and viewer interaction metrics were recorded. Video popularity was quantified using the Video Power Index. The Global Quality Score (GQS), the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), and the Medical Quality Video Evaluation Tool (MQ-VET) were employed to assess the educational value and quality of the videos. Video reliability was evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria. Results: The most frequent MSKUS topic covered was shoulder ultrasound (29.8%), primarily focusing on anatomical landmarks (38.7%). Educational quality assessment indicated that 40.4% of videos were classified as low quality by the GQS. DISCERN rated 43.7% of videos as "very poor" quality, whereas MQ-VET scored 25.8% as average quality. The JAMA criteria indicated that 69.5% of the videos provided only partially sufficient information. No videos cited clinical guidelines, 24.5% provided references, and 18.5% included captions. Academic sources demonstrated significantly higher quality (DISCERN: P = .018; JAMA: P = .015; MQ-VET: P = .009). Videos with captions and references/citations demonstrated significantly higher GQS, DISCERN, JAMA, and MQ-VET scores (all P < .001). Diagnostic videos had higher GQS (median 3 vs. 2; P = .021) and JAMA scores (median 2.5 vs. 2; P = .032) compared to injection videos. Conclusion: This study highlights the inconsistent quality of YouTubebased MSKUS educational content. While academic and well-referenced videos are of high quality, unvetted content often lacks accuracy, making uncurated YouTube videos unreliable for clinical learning. It is recommended that educators guide learners toward content from academic institutions or highly engaged videos with cited guidelines/sources. Standardized guidelines are crucial for integrating trustworthy YouTube MSKUS content into medical curricula.

Background/Aims: This study evaluated balance performance and kinesiophobia levels between fibromyalgia syndrome patients and healthy controls to establish their relationship. Materials and Methods: Sixty female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 60 healthy volunteers who did not have the condition were included in the study. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was applied to the participants to evaluate the disease activity, and the Tampa Kinesophobia Scale was used for the evaluation of kinesiophobia. The four-square stepping test (FSST), functional reach test, timed up and go test (TUG), and posturography device were used to evaluate balance. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing continuous variables between groups, the chi-square test for categorical variables, and Spearman's rank correlation for examining relationships between parameters, with significance set at P < .05. Results: The fibromyalgia syndrome patients demonstrated significantly impaired balance abilities and elevated kinesiophobia scores compared to control subjects (P < .001). The FMS group experienced significantly more falls during the 6-month period than the control group, which had no falls (P < .001). Fall distribution showed that 30 patients (50%) experienced falls, with 18 patients having 1 fall, 8 patients having 2 falls, and 4 patients having ≥3 falls. Of the 60 FMS patients, 50 (83.3%) used medications with various combinations. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores showed a statistically significant relationship with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores (r: 0.507, P < .001). The balance parameters and kinesiophobia scores of FMS patients were both impaired, yet no significant relationship existed between these 2 measures (r values ranging from 0.08 to 0.15, all P > .05). Clinical balance tests (TUG, FSST) and most posturographic parameters failed to show any statistical connection with FMS disease activity. Conclusion: The results showed that female FMS patients had significantly impaired balance and higher kinesiophobia scores than healthy controls. These results show that balance impairments and kinesiophobia are both present in FMS, but they seem to be different aspects of the condition rather than directly related. Both factors should be assessed independently in clinical evaluation. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of these separate but co-occurring impairments in FMS.

Background/Aims: Several clinical studies have shown favorable outcomes in treating systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), yet head-to-head comparisons regarding the efficacy and safety of these pharmacological therapies remain limited. Materials and Methods: A systematical search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pharmacological treatments for SScILD.A comprehensive systematic search was performed across Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify RCTs that evaluated pharmacological interventions for SSc-ILD, specifically cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, nintedanib, pirfenidone, tocilizumab, and rituximab. The effects of various treatments versus placebo on changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and serious adverse events (SAEs) were evaluated by a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Pooled estimates, including mean difference and risk ratios with 95% CIs, were calculated to compare different therapies. The surface under the cumulative ranking probability (SUCRA) was then used to rank these therapeutic agents. Results: Tocilizumab had the highest SUCRA probability (90.4%) in slowing the deterioration of FVC. Rituximab showed the highest SUCRA probability (84.2%) in the prevention of DLCO. Moreover, rituximab showed the lowest probability (59.1%) for SAEs. Conclusion: Tocilizumab and rituximab may be the optimal interventions. Still, further direct head-to-head trials are necessary to substantiate these conclusions.

Background/Aims: It is known that the intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in developing many diseases. In this study, the relationship between gut microbiota markers and clinical parameters of ankylosing spondylitis and the effect of drugs on gut microbiota markers were evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis by comparing it with that of healthy individuals to assess the potential effects of microbial alterations on disease pathogenesis and inflammatory response and to identify differences based on treatment methods. Materials and Methods: This study included 76 AS patients diagnosed for at least 2 years, aged between 18 and 65 (38 anti-TNF recipients and 38 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] recipients), and 38 ageand sex-matched healthy volunteers. Detailed clinical evaluations were conducted on patients and volunteers. All patients underwent a systematic clinical evaluation in accordance with the diagnostic and follow-up criteria for ankylosing spondylitis. In this context, the modified Schober test was performed to assess the lumbar flexion range of motion, chest expansion was measured with a tape measure, and cervical and thoracolumbar spinal range of motion was evaluated using a goniometer. Additionally, a detailed peripheral joint examination, including all major and minor joints, was conducted to identify peripheral joint involvement. Relevant areas were also assessed for the presence of enthesitis in terms of tenderness and pain. Sacroiliac joint tenderness was examined through direct palpation and provocation tests. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in patients and volunteers, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores were also calculated and recorded in the patient group. CD14, CTLA4, CXC16, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TLR4 levels were measured in serum samples using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and BASFI scores were significantly higher in the NSAI (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory) recipient group than in the anti-TNF recipient group (P < .05). C-reactive protein and ESR levels were significantly lower in patients who received anti-TNF therapy than those who received NSAI therapy (P < .05). CTLA4, CXC16, LPS, and TLR4 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients receiving NSAI treatment compared to those receiving anti-TNF treatment and the healthy controls (P < .05). There were no significant differences between patients and controls concerning CD14 levels (P > .05). Conclusion: This research observed that CRP and ESR levels and disease activity scores in AS patients who received anti-TNF treatment were lower than those in the NSAID treatment group and even closer to the control group. It was believed that the connection between microbiota markers and clinical and inflammatory markers can indicate the pathogenesis of AS, guide treatment follow-up, and help develop new treatment strategies.

Background/Aims: This study aims to identify sarcopenia and its associated factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography (USG) for identifying sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: The study included 54 PsA patients (21 males and 33 females; mean age: 46.5 ± 10.93; range, 18-65) and 55 age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls (19 males and 36 females; mean age: 48 ± 11.30; range, 18-65). Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, functional assessments, handgrip strength, and 4-meter gait speed were evaluated. Disease activity was evaluated using the psoriatic arthritis impact of disease 12-item questionnaire (PSAID12), disease activity score 28 (DAS28), bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA), and skin lesions with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The thickness of bilateral rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and quadriceps muscle were measured using USG. Whole-body muscle mass was analyzed via dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 22 PsA patients (40.7%) and 12 healthy controls (21.8%). An association between sarcopenia, BMI, and disease duration was identified (P < .05). It was not associated with PSAID12, DAS28, BASDAI, DAPSA, PASI, age, gender, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol consumption, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, vitamin D levels, and history of falls. The USG measurements revealed that PsA patients with sarcopenia had lower thickness of rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and quadriceps muscles (P < .05). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic cut-off values, which were as follows: right/left rectus femoris, 1.11 cm; right vastus intermedius, 1.17 cm; left vastus intermedius, 1.19 cm; right quadriceps, 2.31 cm; left quadriceps, 2.32 cm. Conclusion: The presence of sarcopenia was higher in PsA patients compared to healthy controls. The USG may be a practical and acceptable method for assessing muscle mass and diagnosing sarcopenia in patients with PsA.

Background/Aims: Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal dominant systemic autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene. The clinical presentation of TRAPS is heterogeneous, which can complicate its diagnosis. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and genetic features of patients with TRAPS diagnosed and treated in Slovakia, as well as to evaluate their therapeutic response to canakinumab. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from the Slovak national database of patients with periodic fever syndromes was performed, including 7 TRAPS patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022 in Slovakia. These data were compared with findings from available cohorts from Europe, China, and Japan. Results: All 7 patients were female, with a median age at clinical disease onset of 6 years (range: 8 months to 30 years); 1 patient had adult-onset disease. The most frequent symptoms were recurrent episodes of fever (6/7), skin rash (6/7), arthralgia (6/7), myalgia (5/7), abdominal pain (4/7), chest pain (4/7), and general fatigue (4/7). Notably, 1 patient exhibited central nervous system (CNS) involvement manifesting as seizures and aseptic CNS inflammation. Genetic analysis identified 4 variants in TNFRSF1A, including the N145S variant (also referred to as N116S), a variant only rarely reported in the literature. Treatment with canakinumab resulted in a significant reduction in flare frequency and decreases in inflammatory markers. Conclusion: This study underscores the phenotypic diversity of TRAPS, as shown by the identification of the rare TNFRSF1A N145S variant and a case with CNS involvement. The estimated prevalence of TRAPS in Slovakia is approximately 1 : 780 000, and the clinical features of these patients are comparable to those reported in European cohorts. Furthermore, the favorable therapeutic response to canakinumab supports its potential as an effective treatment option for TRAPS.

Background/Aims: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is characterized by low back pain and sacroiliitis. It is important to exclude other causes of sacroiliitis before diagnosing axSpA. It was hypothesized that as one of the reasons for low back pain and sacroiliitis, the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) could lead to diagnostic confusion in axSpA. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LSTV in axSpA patients and whether LSTV caused any differences in disease characteristics compared to patients without LSTV. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Patients with axSpA who had available pelvic and lumbosacral spine radiographs and were over 18 years old were included. They were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of LSTV. These groups were compared in terms of age, sex, r-axSpA prevalence, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) usage rates, and C-reactive protein (CRP)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels. Likewise, patients with available diseasespecific clinical scores (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index [BASMI]) and those using biologic DMARDs were also divided into 2 groups based on the presence of LSTV and were analyzed accordingly. Results: A total of 130 patients (82 males, 48 females) were included. Ninety-five patients were using biologic DMARDs and 41 patients had available disease-specific clinical scores (only 19 had BASMI scores). The rate of presence of LSTV was 25.4% (n = 33). The most common type was Castellvi type 1b (39.4%). No significant differences were observed between axSpA patients with and without LSTV in terms of age, sex, r-axSpA prevalence, biologic DMARD usage, CRP/ESR levels, the number of different biologic DMARDs they had used, disease activity, physical function, and mobility. Conclusion: No diagnostic concerns were identified in axSpA patients with LSTV in this study. However, due to the high rate reported in this study, it is recommended that patients with LSTV undergo a more thorough evaluation prior to an axSpA diagnosis, with a diagnosis approach extending beyond simply meeting a set number of the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria.

Background/Aims: Kawasaki disease (KD) is often complicated by coronary artery lesions (CAL). Identifying reliable biomarkers may improve early diagnosis and risk stratification for CAL, facilitating timely intervention. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in KD complicated with CAL. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to November 30, 2024 for English-language studies comparing NT-proBNP levels in KD patients with and without CAL. Diagnostic accuracy metrics for NT-proBNP in detecting CAL were also analyzed. The analysis was performed using a random-effects model. I² statistics assessed the heterogeneity. NT-proBNP levels reported as medians were converted to means using established formulas. Results: Nineteen studies involving 9017 participants showed significantly higher NT-proBNP levels in KD patients with CAL (pooled standardized mean differences = 1.889, 95% CI: 1.274 to 2.504, P < .001), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.5%). Eighteen studies assessed diagnostic accuracy, yielding pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.85) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70-0.84), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 12 (95% CI: 7-21), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81-0.88), indicating good diagnostic performance. However, heterogeneity remained significant (I² = 99%). Conclusion: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is a promising biomarker for detecting CAL in KD, with good diagnostic accuracy. While elevated NT-proBNP levels correlate with CAL, its role is best realized as part of a multimodal diagnostic approach. Future research should focus on standardization and validation across diverse populations.

Background/Aims: Currently, no validated method exists to assess possible pain catastrophizing in adolescents with FMF. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish Pain Catastrophizing Scale-Child (PCS-C) in adolescents with FMF by investigating internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. Materials and Methods: Turkish PCS-C, Visual Analog Scale during rest (VAS-rest) and activity (VAS-activity), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Arthritis Module 3.0 were administered to 66 adolescents with FMF (age: 13-18 years). Cronbach's alpha value was calculated for internal consistency. Turkish PCS-C was re-administered 2 weeks later by phone to 24 participants to calculate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for determining test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was investigated by calculating Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficients (rs) between Turkish PCS-C and other evaluated parameters. Results: Item 8 was excluded from the Turkish PCS-C due to its low contribution to internal consistency. Following this, the Cronbach's alpha was calculated as 0.934. The remaining items contributed to the total score (item-total correlations > 0.4), and Cronbach's alpha did not differ significantly with the exclusion of any items (change < 1%). The Turkish PCS-C demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.925). Fair to moderate positive correlations were detected between the Turkish PCS-C total score and VAS-rest (rs = 0.373), VAS-activity (rs = 0.536), and PedsQL scores (rs = 0.551). Conclusion: Turkish PCS-C may be used as a valid and reliable tool to assess pain catastrophizing in adolescents with FMF.· Unpredictable nature of the pain in FMF may cause pain catastrophizing. · The validity and reliability of Turkish Pain Catastrophizing Scale-Child (PCS-C) was shown for the first time in an adolescent age group. · Turkish PCS-C was introduced to clinical and research settings to evaluate the possible pain catastrophizing in FMF.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish edition of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) among chronic cervical radicular pain (CRRP) cases caused by disc herniation. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between Turkish Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (TR-SFMPQ-2) and other pain and disability scales. Materials and Methods: The study was based on data from 103 cases of CRRP patients evaluated at the Algology outpatient clinic. In addition to TR-SF-MPQ-2, the Numerical Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Cervical Radiculopathy Impact Scale, and a 4-question neuropathic pain questionnaire were completed. Cronbach's alpha (α) and intra-class correlation (ICC) tests were performed for reliability analyses. Confirmatory factor and Spearman correlation analysis were applied to assess structural and content validity, respectively. Results: Both the internal (α= 0.921) and test-retest reliability of the TR-SFMPQ-2 were high (all ICC values >0.9 and P < .001) for the total and 4 subgroups (continuous, intermittent, neuropathic, and emotional). The total and subscale scores of the TR-SF-MPQ-2 were in correlation with other scale results (r= 0.404-0.648, P < .001). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the scale exhibited 4 distinct factors. Conclusion: The TR-SF-MPQ-2 is a valid and reliable scale for Turkish patients suffering from CRRP.